Combat Camera
Pictured here: Melissa W. a medic with 2 Field Ambulance makes calls home on a satellite phone on Christmas 2006 Combat Camera
A mother of a son who has served in Afghanistan in 2 rotations - standing proudly behind him and supporting all the troops. I am here to hold a hand of, or lend a shoulder to other Military parents, families, wives and friends- as I too am a "Military Mom"- at home.
This is the story of the men and women of 23 Field Squadron - Op Archer Roto 2, comprising soldiers, sailors and airmen drawn from across the Canadian Forces and beyond. The intent of this book is to mesh their very personal stories with the Squadron War Diary, all within the framework of the overall 1 RCR Battle Group mission. This mission was accomplished by the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operators, heavy equipment operators, armoured engineers, geomatic technicians, combat engineers and various support and headquarters staff that were 23 Field Squadron.
This book can can be ordered or purchased through:
Amazon
23 Field Squadron
University of Waterloo
Coates and Laser (Petawawa)
And at Participating Kit Shops:
2 CER RMC 1 CER CFSME 5 RGC 31 CER 4 ESR
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Clearing the Way: Combat Engineers in Kandahar will be donated to the Sapper Mike McTeague Wounded Warrior Fund.
"Clearing the Way" includes accounts of members of 23 Field Squadron who took part in Operation Medusa. A fierce battle in Afghanistan in which Canada paid a heavy price is the inspiration for a new book authored by some of those who fought the Taliban. - Winnepeg Free Press
Tanks are a standard asset within the Canadian battle group, but did you know that the first time they deployed en masse from Kandahar Airfield, they were caught in a Soviet-era minefield? Do you know how Route Summit got its name, or how it came to be in the first place? Or what happened to forward operating base Zettlemeyer? Or how a “Mad Max-ed” yellow bulldozer played an integral role in Operation MEDUSA? Or that, after surviving a roadside bomb that destroyed his vehicle and kit, a petty officer, second class defused an IED using only his bayonet?
Clearing theWay answers these questions and more, and provides an intimate glimpse into the reality on the ground in Kandahar Province during late summer and autumn 2006.
Corporal Matt Austin was interested in writing a few short stories about the soldiers in 23 Fd Sqn, an idea fully supported by Major Mark Gasparotto, the officer commanding the squadron on Roto 2. “I told his section commander,” says Maj Gasparotto, “that we should look at interviewing all the members in the squadron and putting together a small book.”
Back in Canada in April 2007,CplAustin got to work, travelling through Ontario and making dozens of calls to various parts of the country.“The real challenge,” he says, “was to interview all persons involved in the TICs [troops in contact] or significant incidents. Naturally, soldiers sometimes forget things they may have said in the past, or events in detail.” Realizing this,Cpl Austin cross-interviewed troops at different times to verify the narrative and root out what were, essentially, simple lapses in memory.
Another challenge he did not anticipate was the emotional impact that revisiting these events would have on those he interviewed. “Many men,” he says, “would stop and only continue with the support of other section mates.”
After writing four highly detailed chapters, Cpl Austin was placed in a section heading back to Afghanistan, forcing him to hand over his research. “[He] ran out of time to cover everything that deserved to be written about,” says Maj Gasparotto.“That’s when I decided to write the squadron war diary and invited other members to share their stories.”
The book includes the war diary written by Maj Gasparotto, the chapters by Cpl Austin and first-person accounts of various actions that stood out during the tour. - Forces.gc.ca
"For the most part it's the individual soldiers' account of what they're seeing and a lot of it is candid and it's repeating conversations that people had during certain events," said Busbridge.
"It's a more personal account of what happened during that time." - Canadian Free Press
Collaborative work
After he had written four lengthy, highly detailed chapters, Cpl Austin was placed in a section heading back to Afghanistan, forcing him to hand over his research.
“[Cpl Austin] ran out of time to cover everything that deserved to be written about,” explains Maj Gasparotto. “That’s when I decided to write the squadron war diary and invited other members to share their stories.”
The finished book includes the war diary by Maj Gasparotto, the chapters by Cpl Austin and several first-person accounts of various incidents that stood out during the tour.
Clearing the Way provides an intimate glimpse into the reality on the ground in Kandahar Province during late summer and fall 2006. Read further ~Capt Edward J.H. Stewart LFAA Public Affairs
These front-line engineers are often the first in and first out of a combat zone -- clearing bombs and mines, building roads, demolishing what needs to be taken out and providing "castle-like" fortifications for protection. lfpress
Comments: Post a book review in the comments section and I'll transfer them below.
"Lest we forget our heros, who fought and died,
For the Red and White" ~ Julian Austin
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"The Canadian Forces and the Department of National Defence mourn the death of Sergeant James Patrick MacNeil, who was killed today after an improvised explosive device detonated during a foot patrol, about 20 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones in this time of grief.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Sergeant James Patrick MacNeil, who died today after an improvised explosive device detonated during a foot patrol, about 20 kilometres southwest of Kandahar City. May you be consoled by the knowledge that an entire country stands behind you in your grief.Sadness again for Sgt MacNeils family and fiancee, As well as the extended members of the Invisible Army. May he Rest in Peace his duty done. May his family find strength in his brothers in arms friends and Canadians who care.
www.invisiblearmycanada.ca ~ Robby McRobb
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Word cannot express what sorrow this tragedy has brought to the friends and family of Jimmy. A kindred spirit has no place in a war of senseless violence and greed. If only time could be reversed... this man is a soldier for heaven now and guards all of our hearts for the rest of the day... I bless all of you to have the strength to get through this difficult time... Rick
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I am just a fellow Caper, who is touched by this boy's story. The words and photos shared by those who knew him best, tell the tale of a wholesome young man, full of life & love. May that love surround those he cared for, in his short , but meaningful time on earth. The memories may bring attention to his absence, but will help honor the void that can never be filled. Try to hold on to the happy times. I am sure there were many. God bless, and keep him. In the arms of the angels, an angel on earth is no longer restricted and held back by the human form. He tried to free those he fought to help. He is now free, to help for eternity. Those he left behind continue their battles, personal and global, in his honor. RIP soldier. May we all find such peace in memory of our local hero. A sad time for our island home, our whole country feels the loss, the world could use more like him.. Anonymous
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It was such a sad day learning of Sgt. McNeil. In disbelief, I called my son asking him if Jimmy was serving, "Well, information I have says that Jimmy is a Sgt, Jimmy isn't a Sgt." I said to my son. He replied, "Yes he is... Mom, what's going on?" I then told him. We were both shaken and there was a silence and tears. IMy son served with Jimmy during Roto 2. I had an opportunity to meet him and chat with him during their deployment day. Such a wonderful person. I took a picture of him with his fellow comrades when they made the stop at the the Tim's enroute to the awaiting plane. I look at that picture and the smile on his face- such an infectious smile. I have used this picture in my slideshow and dedicated it to Jimmy. I can't imagine what his family is going through. He will me missed by all, but always rememebered. ~ m.m.
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More than 1,500 Canadian and allied NATO soldiers gathered on the runway here at a ramp ceremony Monday morning to say goodbye to Pte. Tyler William Todd.
"He was my best friend, more like a brother to me," said Pte. Kristian Winter. "It was an honour to have known him. Todd was the type of guy who kept everybody happy at all times. He'd always cheer you up.
"It was a terrible loss for everybody in the Eleven Platoon and lots of people in his battle group."
Todd was on a foot patrol when he was hit by the explosion, which wounded another soldier, who watched Monday's ceremony from a wheelchair beside the plane that would fly Todd's body toward home.
"Tyler's dedication to the mission was only surpassed by his commitment to his family," said Maj. Wayne Niven, commander of Todd's Delta Company. "Extremely proud of his family, he constantly regaled his buddies about stories from home."
Todd had a blanket that his parents made, Winter said.
"No matter how much we bugged him about it, he brought it everywhere," Winter said, breaking down in tears.
Repatriation Ceremonies will be held at CFB Trenton on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Following, Pte Todd's family will accompany him on the Highway of Heroes.
Join hundreds of other Canadians on the overpasses of the Highway of Heroes (Hwy 401W between Trenton and Victoria Park Avenue Toronto) Hold a flag, wear red, honour our fallen hero and let his family know we are here to support them, standing beside them and show our gratitude for his courage.
Obituary - Saying Goodbye
TODD, Tyler William It is with great sadness the family announces the sudden passing of Tyler William Todd while serving with the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Afghanistan. Tyler Todd of RR#1, Bright, Ontario was in his 27th year. Loving son of Bryan and Bev (Doan) Todd of RR#1 Bright. Dear brother of Samantha and her husband Brett Witzel of Woodstock and Jenna Todd and her friend Dave Smith of RR#1 Bright. Tyler is survived by his grandmother Jackie Grimes and by his aunts, uncles and cousins. Predeceased by his grandparents Don Doan and John and Trudy Todd. Tyler graduated from Huron Park Secondary School, Conestoga College Fire Fighting Program and was a former member of the Bright Fire Department and had played hockey with the Bright Mulisha Hockey Club. Relatives and friends may call at the Glendinning Funeral Home , 40 William St., Plattsville on Saturday 7-9 p.m. and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be conducted at the Plattsville Missionary Church on Monday, April 19, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Private Family interment in Innerkip Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wounded Warrior Fund or the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund (cheques accepted) would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences can be sent at www.gffh.ca
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Condolences
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It was with great sadness that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I learned of the death of another member of the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan, Private Tyler William Todd of the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton, Alberta.
He was killed when an improvised explosive device planted by terrorists went off while he was on patrol in the Dand district, approximately eight kilometres south-west of Kandahar.
This new tragedy occurred just days after a national commemorative ceremony to mark "The End of an Era", during which thousands of Canadians honoured the brave contribution veterans made during the First World War. At this ceremony, I emphasized the importance of perpetuating the heritage left by the men and women who fought for greater justice, freedom and humanity, because—today, as in the past—our soldiers in Afghanistan are fighting the same battle, in the name of the same values, with the same selflessness and extraordinary determination.
In the face of countless dangers, Private Tyler William Todd's brothers and sisters in arms are fully committed to completing their difficult mission with unwavering resolve.
Our thoughts are with the family, loved ones and colleagues of the courageous and generous Private Tyler William Todd, and we would like to offer them our most sincere condolences and deepest sympathy. His noble sacrifice will remain forever etched in our memory.
Michaƫlle Jean
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"On behalf of the Defence family and our brave men and women in uniform, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Private Tyler William Todd, who died today in Afghanistan. He was killed by an improvised explosive device while on foot patrol in the Dand district, approximately eight kilometres southwest of Kandahar City. My best wishes for a speedy recovery also go out to his comrade who was injured in the same incident.
Pte. Todd was a professional, dedicated Canadian soldier who served valiantly alongside his comrades to help build a better and brighter future for Afghans. With the help of Canada and our international partners, Afghans are re-establishing themselves and their communities after decades of hardship and turmoil.
Our Canadian Forces members participating in this United Nations-mandated, NATO-led mission face an enemy that will go to any length to try to undermine any progress made. The courage demonstrated by Pte. Todd speaks volumes to his dedication to our country and to this mission. Canada will remain steadfast, and Taliban attacks will not deter our efforts to help Afghanistan achieve peace and stability.
Let us never forget Pte. Todd, whose self-sacrifice served to make life better for others." Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence
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On behalf of me and my entire family and the Municipality of Clarington, we thank you Tyler for keeping us all safe!!
Our hearts are with you and your family.
We will be waiting to thank you personally as you pass through Newcastle On.
Thanks Again Tyler,
God Bless,
Jeremy Woodcock
Clarington Mayoral Candidate
Celebrate Earth Hour
Wherever you are in the world, don't forget to turn out your lights at 8:30 pm for one hour on Saturday, March 27th
It's our earth. See it in a whole new light. Let's light a candle for a soldier.
To make your own virtual lantern click here.
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Always in Our Hearts
It is with sadness that today I announce that one Canadian soldier was killed and four were injured in a training accident on a range located approximately 4 km northeast of Kandahar City. The accident took place at about 5:00 p.m., Kandahar time, on 12 February 2010.
Bless Cpl Joshua Caleb Baker
Killed in the accident was Corporal Joshua Caleb Baker, a member of The Loyal Edmonton Regiment (4th Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry), from Edmonton, Alberta, and serving with the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team.
Brigadier General Daniel Menard said Baker had a laugh that lightened any situation.
"Joshua had a laugh rumoured to cure cancer," he said. "No matter where you were or how down you got, his laugh would find your ears and bring a smile to your face."
Baker, from Edmonton, was "an extremely positive, passionate" person, Menard said.
"He had a deep love for his family and worried constantly about them."
In offering his condolences to Baker's family, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Baker "served valiantly in order to build a better future for Afghanistan."
This accident is non-battle related and an investigation by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) is under way to determine the circumstances.
The four injured soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to the Role 3 Multi-National Medical Facility at the Kandahar Airfield. They are reported to be in stable condition and their names will not be released.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our fallen comrade at this sad time. The commitment and sacrifice of our soldier and his loved ones will always be remembered.
Ramp Ceremony in Afghanistan
Comrades of Cpl. Joshua Caleb Baker said goodbye in a sombre ramp ceremony on Saturday.
Padre Maj. Shaun Yaskiw led the service to honour the 24-year-old Edmonton-based soldier, described as “mentally tough, physically robust and (having) a personality that made him a natural leader.”
A bagpipe played as the soldiers paid their respects to their fallen comrade. Baker's casket was loaded on a plane for the return to Canada, home to his family.
Condolences
If you wish to leave condolences, please enter them into the comment section and I will transfer them here. With Regards, m.m.
Rest in Peace, Cpl. Baker.
My prayers for all who love this fine young Canadian.
Brat
Thank you so much for your heartfelt words. They mean the world to us, Josh's family. He really was a wonderful young man and we concur with you, our lose is deep but our hearts are grateful. We would not trade our sorrow for having known Josh. He left us better because of how truly genuine he was. Genuine in his faith, love for his family, love for his colleagues and friends. He was easy to love, a likeable guy. We will truly miss Josh. Canada will miss Josh.
Margie Krause
I happened to be on the Royal Canadian Legion website to look into the Remembrance Day Poster contest information as my 10 year old son came in 2nd place with his poster. I saw the special section for soldiers lost in Afghanistan this year and read each one. Josh's caught my attention and I had to look into finding out more about him. As I read the statements about him, the immensity of his loss resonated with me. As a mother of 2 boys, I cannot imagine the strength it takes to have your son deliberately put himself in harm's way to protect the beliefs in freedom and respect Canada has. I am humbled by you and at the same time, pray I never have to experience the loss you have.
Susan Mladenovich, Whitby Ontario
My heart bleeds for you and your family. After a full year has gone by, I have to share this with you...On the day that your son Joshua was killed in Afghanistan, my husband Keith, was watching the news when he saw the information going across the bottom of the TV screen; "A Canadian soldier was killed today in Afghanistan. Corporal Joshua..." He almost died with fright seeing the name "Corporal Joshua..." on the screen, because, you see, our son "Corporal Joshua Collins" was also on the front lines of Afghanistan, serving in the SAME PRT, at the same time, as your son. For a split second, Keith thought that it was our son Joshua that was killed, until he saw the name "Baker"instead of "Collins" on the screen. He was filled with instant relief which was replaced by instant grief for you and your son Joshua. He came upstairs to tell me what had happened and we were both beside ourselves with grief. As I watched it later on, on the TV, your sons name going across the screen, it broke my heart. All we could think about is that there is a family out there that had just lost their son and it could have easily been ours. Keith and I are both retired from the Canadian Forces and served our Country for many long years. Keith is the president of "Kemmel Ridge" Canadian Army Veteran Motorcycle Unit (CAV) here in Placentia, NL and he just recently found out what the CAV means to you. Our son Joshua, who is now a Master Corporal, knew your son, though, not well. He too was affected deeply by the day that Joshua was killed. Our thoughts and our prayers are always with you. God Bless you and give you the strength to carry on. "MAY JOSHUA'S SUPREME SACRIFICE NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!" REST IN PEACE JOSHUA!!!! xoxoxoxox
Keith & Karyn Collins
Placentia, NL
"We grieve the loss of Corporal Joshua Caleb Baker who died yesterday in Afghanistan. This brave soldier died as a result of a training accident. I want to take this opportunity to wish a speedy recovery to the four soldiers who were injured in the same incident.
My heartfelt sympathies and thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Cpl Baker, who should be proud of this professional, dedicated soldier. This is a tragic loss for Canada and for the Canadian Forces.
Cpl Baker gave his life helping to create the secure conditions needed to re-establish Afghanistan and carry out reconstruction efforts such as the building of schools, hospitals and roads. We will honour this sacrifice by continuing our efforts to bring freedom, democracy and respect for human rights and the rule of law to Afghanistan.
Canada’s participation in this United Nations-mandated NATO-led mission is a true reflection of the Canadian values of helping those in need and defending the interests of those who can’t yet defend themselves.
His sacrifice will inspire those who give of themselves to create a vibrant, safe and democratic Afghanistan.” - Peter MacKay
An accident in Afghanistan has taken the life of Corporal Joshua Caleb Baker, a member of The Loyal Edmonton Regiment (4th Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry), based in Edmonton, Alberta, and wounded four of his comrades. My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I are deeply saddened by this loss, as are all Canadians.
Faithful to the values of caring and solidarity that our country holds so dear, Corporal Baker volunteered to support the mission in Afghanistan that Canada is carrying out alongside other NATO member countries. Together with his brothers and sisters in arms, he was prepared to take on a difficult and dangerous environment.
Corporal Baker served bravely and generously to support Afghans’ hopes for security, justice and a better life. He merits our wholehearted admiration.
Our sincerest condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues. May they take comfort in knowing that we share their pain and that they are not alone.
We also offer our wishes for a speedy recovery to those who were wounded. Our thoughts are with them in these difficult times.~Michaƫlle Jean, Governor General
The Canadian Forces Reserves
Members of the Reserves are Military personnel. They train hard to be able to work alongside members of the Regular Force. They develop the skills that enable them to make a meaningful contribution to the team. It's tough and it requires commitment. Expectations are high. Army Reserve members are part of a team where they must depend on each other. They all have to perform their duties, no matter the weather, the time of day or night. On weekends they participate in field exercises, aimed at honing their skills. They need to be sharp if, at some point, they volunteer for a UN tour. Militia members regularly serve on UN missions working beside Regular Force soldiers. They have to be competent at their job. They are the Army.
The following article was brought to my attention. I can't begin to tell you how I feel. These are soldiers who have dedicated their time and themselves, working at jobs or going to school and yet making a commitment to the military. On Tuesday, Christie Blatchford wrote on the current budget-cuts of the Reserve Force and the attempt to slash 5,000 full-time reserve jobs. Some soldiers have already been cut back from working 4 times a month+ to one 3 hour evening. Let me know how you feel.
ONLY THING CANADA'S RESERVISTS NEED CUT IS SOME SLACK
Even in the wake of recent deaths, budgets to train and recruit our part-time soldiers are being slashed .
CHRISTIE BLATCHFORD
From Tuesday's Globe and Mail
January 18, 2010 at 7:32 PM EST
Sergeant George Miok, Sergeant Kirk Taylor and Corporal Zachery McCormack – three of the young soldiers who were killed, along with Private Garrett Chidley and Canadian journalist Michelle Lang, in a massive roadside bomb late last year – have all been laid to rest. What these three had in common, which has received remarkably little notice – they were all reservists, or part-time soldiers. Sgt. Miok, who was also a teacher, was a member of 41 Combat Engineer Regiment, a reserve unit based in Edmonton; Sgt. Taylor's home unit was the 84 Independent Field Battery in Yarmouth, N.S., and Corp. McCormack was an “Eddie,” a member of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, a storied infantry unit.
I didn't know any of them but experience tells me they would have been as fiercely proud of their real units as Pte. Chidley was of being a member of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
In Afghanistan, reservists are usually attached as individuals to the battle group, and when they are killed overseas, their reserve identities are usually subsumed by the larger regiment – officially referred to, if at all, only obliquely, as in, “based in Yarmouth” or “from Edmonton.”
Yet throughout Canada's involvement in Afghanistan, reservists have been there.
They have given lives and limbs, just as the regulars have. Every roto to
Kandahar has had at least 300 reservists (out of a total of about 2,500 soldiers) and some as many as 500-plus. They do the same jobs and take the same risks as their full-time counterparts and, once deployed, are also paid the same and receive the same benefits. Some of them have to take unpaid leave from civilian jobs, or put promising careers on the shelf, for the privilege of going.
Yet traditionally, when budget push comes to shove, the reserves take a harder hit than the regular force – chiefly because, where in the regular force wages come from a separate envelope of funds, in the militia it's all of a single piece, so when you cut reserve dollars you're cutting training, bullets, travel, pay and people. Thus, what purports to be suffering dispersed equally in fact isn't.
It's happening again, and was even as those three young men were buried this month. According to what Brigadier-General John Collin, the commander of Joint Task Force Central Area (it means Ontario), has been saying at town hall meetings across the province, the army is looking to chop 5,000 reservists. The cuts are completely at odds with the government's stated position that both the regular army and the reserves are to grow as part of the Canada First defence strategy, and raise the question: If Ottawa has been giving the army the money to grow, what the heck has the army been doing with it?
The key cuts are being made to what are called “Class B” contracts, those reservists who hold full-time jobs, many in training positions.
As Lieutenant-Colonel (retired) Blair McGregor told me recently in a furious note, “reserve units are being stripped of the full-time support staff that is so desperately needed to train the part-time soldiers we rely on.” Lt.-Col. McGregor was until 2008 the Commanding Officer of the Seaforth Highlanders in Vancouver, home unit of Captain Trevor Greene, who was axed in the head and nearly killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2006.
But the cuts aren't stopping there, and they appear to be deeper than first quietly announced in November. According to Lt.-Col. McGregor, John Selkirk of Reserves 2000 (a group formed
to fight for the militia) and others contacted by The Globe and Mail, contracts for Afghanistan-deploying reservists have been cut by a month, reservists who have put civilian lives on hold are having theirs cancelled at the last minute and training budgets are being slashed, with training in some units cut to a half-night a week.
The cuts are also being applied to recruiting, with the next recruit classes in some units cut by more than half. As Mr. Selkirk, the former honorary colonel of the Brockville Rifles, says, “That's the difference between growing and probably shrinking.” And reserve units, once shrunk, are then vulnerable to government pressure to amalgamate with other units.
“I haven't seen it this bad since the late 1980s, '90s,” says one noncommissioned officer at an Ontario reserve unit; this, remember, was the period that former chief of the defence staff Rick Hillier described as “the decade of darkness.”
As Lt.-Col. McGregor says, “The militia regiments that have stood the test of time … are being threatened with starvation in order to make ends meet. Without a force generator like the reserve regiments, our Canadian Forces will be very hard-pressed to make the contribution that is required.…we know from the historic record that there is always another emergency around the corner.” (He wrote that before the earthquake flattened Haiti, a country with which
Canada has strong ties. If the army wasn't overstretched before, it will be now.)
The truth is that the reserves and its citizen soldiers have always been unappreciated by the bureaucracy at the Department of National Defence and sometimes by government. To Lt.-Col. McGregor, the reserves should function for the regular army as the junior leagues do for the National Hockey League. Yet Canada is one of the few countries in the world where the army reserves are smaller than the regular army. This makes no sense, he says. “There should likely be a 2:1 or 3:1 reserves to regular force ratio. “A further truth about the reserve army is that you can't rip it apart and then easily or quickly rebuild it later when you need it. As in the hockey analogy, each hockey team in any league has a first, second and third line and each team has
leadership in the form of a coach, manager, captain and several assistant captains.
“And soldiers,” he says, “like to belong to cohesive and proud organizations and in Canada these are called regiments. They are the ‘teams' on which soldiers exist.” In the national game, anyone who doesn't perform is swiftly fired.
Canada's soldiers, reservists included, have performed beyond expectations. Would that the same could be said of those who make these maddening and shabby decisions.